Death toll from Indonesia earthquake rises above 50

The death toll from a powerful earthquake in Indonesia has risen to 51, up from the previously reported 47 fatalities.

According to Reuters, cited by Report, local authorities said at least 51 people were killed in the disaster, while 36 sustained serious injuries and 77 suffered minor injuries. Around 5,000 people have been evacuated.

Rescuers have yet to determine the exact number of people missing, with some believed to remain trapped under the rubble.

The 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck on the morning of August 15 in East Nusa Tenggara province in eastern Indonesia. The tremors triggered landslides that blocked roads and hampered access for rescue teams to affected areas.

More than 1,300 homes were damaged. Power outages were reported in several areas, forcing around 20 gas stations to suspend operations.

More than 3,500 military personnel and police officers have been deployed to assist with relief efforts. Regional authorities are considering declaring a state of emergency to speed up assistance to those affected.